Women's T20 World Cup 2024: Mandhana says India aware of NRR concern, Pakistan win gives them 'some momentum'

India revived their Women’s T20 World Cup campaign with a six-wicket victory over arch-rivals Pakistan in Dubai on Sunday, collecting their first win in the process.

While the win kept their hopes of reaching the semi-finals for the fourth consecutive time alive, concerns remained over their Net Run Rate (NRR), which currently stands at -1.217.

The Women in Blue, after all, had suffered a sound 58-run thrashing at the hands of New Zealand in their tournament opener on Friday which has left them with a lot of catching up to do.

As It Happened | India vs Pakistan, ICC Women’s T20 World Cup match in Dubai

Speaking during the post-match presentation ceremony, India vice-captain Smriti Mandhana acknowledged the concern over her team’s NRR, but added that the victory had given them “some momentum” that they would be hoping to capitalise on going forward.

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“As a bowling unit, we were very disciplined and in the field we were good too. We could have done with a better start with the bat, but we will take this.

“We were thinking about it (Net Run Rate) but me and Shafali weren’t able to time it well. So we didn’t want to get to a place where we were chasing the game, but NRR is surely in our heads. This game will give us some momentum and hopefully we can keep going in this tournament,” Mandhana said during the presentation ceremony.

Read | India's qualification scenarios for Women's T20 World Cup semis explained after victory over Pakistan

The opening batter was filling in for India skipper Harmanpreet Kaur during the presentation ceremony. Harmanpreet was batting on 29 off 24 balls with the Women in Blue one hit away from victory when she hurt her neck while desperately trying to get her foot behind the crease.

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Harmanpreet was nearly stumped off off-spinner Nida Dar’s bowling, getting beaten completely while attempting to smash the ball down the ground and losing her balance subsequently. Wicketkeeper Muneeba Ali’s fumble behind the stumps allowed her to plant her back foot behind the line on time.

However, the India skipper appeared to have hurt her neck after falling to the ground, and ultimately chose to walk off the field after receiving on-field medical attention.

When asked about Harmanpreet’s injury, Mandhana said that it still was a bit early to comment on the matter.

“Too soon to say anything, the medics are looking at it. Hopefully she is alright,” the left-handed batter added.

India face Sri Lanka and defending champions Australia on Wednesday and Sunday respectively in their remaining fixtures. Not only will they be hoping to win both games, but win big keeping their NRR in mind.